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Illinois student-athletes lead racial injustice protest in Champaign
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Student-athletes at the University of Illinois wanted to make their voices heard.
On Monday afternoon, student-athletes from Illinois led a protest against racial injustice, marching to the Champaign Police Department. They then took part in a moment of silence to remember victims of police brutality before walking back to Memorial Stadium.
People showed up by the hundreds to show their support for the movement on Monday.
Student-athletes from schools across the country have participated in peaceful protests over the last week, as racial injustice continues to be an issue in the nation. Last week, Jacob Blake was shot in the back seven times by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, prompting more protests and movements across the United States.
Following the protest, Illinois men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood, athletic director Josh Whitman and the official Twitter account of Illini football showed their support for the student-athletes and others who participated.
Below are some of the photos and videos from Monday’s protest in Champaign:
Proud of our guys.
Thank you to everyone that came out to today's march. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/HJJZ0Qp1DU
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) August 31, 2020
Powerful experience marching with our @illiniathletics student-athletes today. #BLM pic.twitter.com/jgmf41QTsj
— Brad Underwood (@CoachUnderwood) September 1, 2020
One of my proudest days as AD. Today, I watched tomorrow’s leaders take a knee and then stand tall. Our #ILLINI family found its voice & used its platform to make a difference. Our future is bright in their hands. Honored to be included & to be associated with them. #BLM 🖤🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/QmX332JqOo
— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) September 1, 2020
Protestors are chanting “Black Lives Matter” and “Whose streets? Our streets!” as the march moves down Fourth Street through Campustown. #Illini pic.twitter.com/C9YOWmhkKf
— Gavin Good (@itsallG_O_O_D) August 31, 2020
Tried to show a bit more of just how big this crowd is. We’re spread over several blocks at this point. Not sure about numbers, but definitely more than 500 people. #Illini pic.twitter.com/4sDry5tSH1
— Gavin Good (@itsallG_O_O_D) August 31, 2020
#Illini football players leading the protest down residential Park Street as “Keep On Pushing” by The Impressions plays from the loudspeaker. About to move through the intersection of Fourth and University.
Lots of people popping outside to watch as the protest moves by. pic.twitter.com/90ZOuijNml
— Gavin Good (@itsallG_O_O_D) August 31, 2020
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB